4. Parameter settings
4.1. Tool management
Project-related tool management
WinPC-NC has a user-friendly tool management function. It is possible to define up to 10 tools with specific values for each working project.
The parameters are divided between several dialog boxes. WinPC-NC stores all the values defined in these dialog boxes into the tool file using the PARAMETERS-SAVE menu function. Tool files have the *.WPW filename extension.
Tool management (window 1)
Description
Meaningful tool names
Each tool is identified with a name which is used during tool change prompts.
Color
Colors in the graphical display
The Color parameter for each tool is used in the graphical display of the data. As a result, it is easy to adapt the color display to suit your own requirements or to harmonize with the CAD program you are using.
Clicking the colored box opens a dialog box in which you can select a new color. All colors supported by the current Windows display settings can be selected.
Activation
Activating tools individually
Each tool can be individually enabled or blocked. Inactive tools are simply ignored in the graphical display and the commands for them are skipped.
Spindle speed
It is possible to assign a spindle speed to each tool. This is set using a defined analog output when the tool is used.
Tool speeds
Tool management (window 2)
Plunge speed
The plunge speed specifies the speed with which each tool is pushed into the workpiece. It is necessary to consider certain limit values here, depending on the material and the tool.
Advance speed
The advance speed or feed rate defines the working speed for each tool when the tool is pushed into the workpiece.
This value is irrelevant for straightforward drilling applications.
However, if WinPC-NC is used for milling, engraving or grinding, then the maximum feed rate depends on the tool used and the material.
Withdrawal speed
The withdrawal speed is used for raising or withdrawing the tool from the workpiece.
Brake angle
The brake angle specifies the maximum angle differential for subsequent movement stages in which movement takes place at full speed. The value is entered in degrees.
Deterministic speed
optimization
Between the start and finish of movements, the acceleration and braking function is only activated if the direction of the next vector deviates from the previous one by more than the defined brake angle.
An example of this deterministic speed optimization function can be seen in movement around a circle, which consists of lots of little individual vectors. The directions of two successive movements are only slightly different. As a result, the circular path can be moved in one operation at maximum speed.
Brake difference
Braking and acceleration always take place before and after tool movements. This parameter is irrelevant in straightforward drilling applications and is ignored.
Tool dimensions
Tool management (window 3)
Plunge depth
The plunge depth specifies the distance by which the Z-axis of each tool is moved downwards into the workpiece. The depth is defined in millimeters and is always measured starting from the plane of the zero point.
Plunge depth measured from the zero point of the Z-axis Z
Repetitions
Routing in stages
Frequently, several passes are required when routing thick or hard materials. The parameters Repetitions and Z feed correction mean you do not have to restart a working process several times in succession using different plunge depths.
The repetition always applies to a complete contour line or for a hole, i.e. WinPC-NC remembers every insertion point and returns to it after the tool is next withdrawn, in order to start the next pass.
Z-axis feed correction
During a series of repetitions, the axis feed correction causes the Z-axis to be moved downwards by the specified value.
Repetitions and feed correction
Automatic Tool Changer (ATC)
Tool management (window 4)
X/Y/Z/X4 positions of the tool magazine
Controlling the automatic changer
WinPC-NC can control an automatic tool changer with 10 magazine positions. The exact magazine positions of the magazine locations are defined in this parameter window.
It is recommended to define the changing positions with short
distance to the actual pick up and the remaining distance with simple moving commands in the macros for putting down and picking up.
An electrically or pneumatically operated collect chuck is required in order for tools to be changed automatically. This chuck must be switched using a defined output. Macros can be used to define the exact sequence of releasing and picking up tools as well as
movements, waiting times and switching outputs.
By means of sensors WinPC-NC can monitor the magazine positions as well as the pick up of the collect chuck. Thereby collisions can easily be avoided.
The procedure is described in a subsequent chapter.
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Paramaters for the automatic tool changer ATC are only available if the function is enabled.Tool length measurement and compensation
Tool management (Window 5)
Compensation of various tool lengths
Working with different tools it usually does not happen that all tools are of the same length. Therefore it is considerably difficult to determine and observe the exact plunge depth.
WinPC-NC is able to measure the various lengths of tools automatically and compensate them during operation.
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Paramaters for tool length measurement are only available if the function is enabled.Z-axis length
The lengths of the tools used are defined here. Normally, the boxes cannot be edited, however, the values are registered automatically when the tools are measured. The length difference used by the compensation function is calculated on the basis of these parameter values.
Sensor position
Automatic ascertainmemt of length
The length sensor must be a switch or a button which can be moved from above and is switched when contact is made or is encountered.
These paramaters define a position above this sensor in absolute machine coordinates. When measuring, WinPC-NC moves to this positions and then lowers the tool slowly until the sensor is switched.
The distance moved is adopted in the paramaters as tool length.
Diagram showing the basic principle of the length sensor and automatic tool measurement
Automatic length correction
This parameter activates automatic tool length compensation. Having a separate parameter to enable this function makes it possible to restrict compensation to projects in which it is really needed.
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Tools are automatically measured after being changed or must be explicitly selected using the MEASURE TOOL function.Length measuring after tool change
This parameter induces WinPC-NC to execute a new measurement after each tool change.
Fast move with ramp
Optional to the quite slowly sensor moving a fast move can be selected. This alternative, however, stops at the sensor with the ramp and moves free slowly. This sensor must be flexible concerning braking ramp.